S. Soccer and gives our supporters a team they can be proud of.”
U. S.
Soccer Chief Operating Officer Dan Helfrich directed the managerial search following the departure of sporting director Matt Crocker before the World Cup.
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Cherundolo will identify and select players to train at the Arthur M. Blank U.
S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia.
“Throughout his career, Steve Cherundolo has been a proven winner, an elite talent developer, and a great ambassador for American soccer,” Helfrich said.
The Under-23 Olympic tournament allows three over-age wild-card players on each 12-team roster, though clubs are not obligated by FIFA to release players.
U. S.
Soccer Vice President of Sporting Oguchi Onyewu, who played alongside Cherundolo in two World Cups, helped facilitate the hiring.
“The 2028 Olympics present a critical platform to develop our next generation of players and further engage our passionate fan base as we pursue an Olympic medal at home,” Onyewu said.
“Steve’s leadership will be instrumental in building an Olympic team that proudly represents U. S.
Soccer.
And he will work closely with both our Senior and Youth National team coaches in growing the game together.”
“Steve’s extensive coaching experience and having gone through the American youth soccer system gives him a unique understanding of American and European style of play that will allow him to maximize and nurture the players’ potential,” Onyewu added.
The American program previously reached the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Games under Marko Mitrovic, following three consecutive cycles of failing to qualify.
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The team is scheduled to utilize upcoming international windows ahead of the Olympic tournament.
